Fire Strategy - Director's Briefing

Fire Strategy - Director's Briefing

A strategy is defined as ‘a carefully devised plan of action to achieve a goal, or the art of developing or carrying out such a plan.’ In essence a Fire Strategy is just that.

Fire safety enforcement remains high on the regulatory agenda. The enforcing authority will usually be the local fire and rescue authority and enforcement will normally be carried out by a fire inspector, but can also be carried out by an employee of the authority who is authorised in writing by an inspector. Inspectors have wide-ranging powers, including entering and inspecting premises, taking copies of documents and records, and taking samples of substances to determine their fire resistance or flammability.

It is an offence to fail to comply with any of the duties or requirements imposed by the Fire Safety Order where this gives rise to a risk of death or serious injury due to fire. Further offences include failure to comply with the requirements of alteration, enforcement or prohibition notices.

The maximum penalty for an offence under the order is a £5,000 fine in a Magistrates’ Court, or an unlimited fine in a Crown Court and/or imprisonment in Magistrates’ Court, or an unlimited fine in a Crown Court and/or imprisonment for up to two years.

The Director's Briefing goes on to give essential information covering:

• the role of the enforcing authority
• your role and responsibility
• relevant legislation
• Examples of case law.

For further information on fire strategies please contact SKM Enviros. Details are at the end of this document.

This guidance has been issued by Barbour.